THE Woolgatherers of Heswall are preparing to bring drama and comedy back to the stage with their first production since lockdown.

Performers have been preparing and rehearsing Merseyside Martini for the time it can be staged at Heswall Hall when it reopens.

Because of the need to maintain social distancing and not being able to rehearse at their own club rooms, The Woolshack in Gayton, they have had to navigate a number of obstacles to prepare.

Merseyside Martini is a cocktail of mini performances and poetry and takes a nostalgic look at the well-known works of our Merseyside poets and playwrights of the 1960’s, many containing a sense of Liverpool humour or pathos.

There will be five performances, from Tuesday June 22 to Saturday, June 26. Shows will start at 7.30pm each night.

The production's director, Ann Warr: "This has been a tricky evening to prepare for.

"The most common refrain from the cast at socially distanced rehearsals was 'Keep your distance!', 'Who sneezed!' or ‘Don’t come near me!’

"But, undaunted, everyone persevered to ensure we would all be ready to present Merseyside Martini the moment restrictions were lifted."

With a need to maintain some level of social distancing, only groups who have booked tickets together as a party will sit together.

As a result, there will be a maximum of approximately 50 in the audience each night.

Also, unlike their usual performances, all tickets must be pre-booked.

No tickets will be available on the door!

Tickets can be booked online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/woolgatherers or by telephoning 0151 648 2717 or 0151 336 2747.